Wild Swimming
Coldingham Bay
Coldingham Bay is the Scottish Borders' best surf and swim beach — a horseshoe of clean sand backed by grass cliffs, with a surf school, café, and year-round wild-swimmer community (the Coldingham Brave Bayers). The bay is surprisingly sheltered from the usual North Sea swells, and the water clarity is excellent. The Brave Bayers swim here in all weathers and all months — their presence makes this one of Scotland's most active wild swim communities.
Quick facts
- Type
- Beach
- Region
- Scottish Borders
- Grid ref
- NT 916 668
- Entry
- Sandy shore
- Depth
- Medium (chest-deep)
- Summer water temp
- 9–16°C
- Midges
- Low
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- cold water shock
- rip currents in onshore swell
- cold North Sea exposure
Getting there
Coldingham village (TD14 5PA) — short drive to the bay car park above the beach. Seasonal café and surf school on the beach. The Brave Bayers meet most mornings — check their Facebook group for times.
Parking postcode: TD14 5PA
Safety
North Sea water is cold — typically 9–16°C in summer, colder in spring and autumn. Lion's mane jellyfish August–October. The bay usually has a manageable swell but check sea conditions before longer swims.
Best for
- surf + swim combination
- Brave Bayers community swim
- Scottish Borders day trip
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:08
- Sunset
- 21:02
- Civil dawn
- 04:21
- Civil dusk
- 21:49
NOAA Solar Calculator · 9 May 2026
Common questions
- Who are the Coldingham Brave Bayers?
- A local wild swimming group who swim at Coldingham Bay year-round, including winter. They are very welcoming to newcomers. Find them via their Facebook group.
Share your experience
Been to Coldingham Bay? Help other swimmers plan their visit.